An official sod turning ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 2 at the site where the $11 million Pemberton Valley Lodge will be built.
Initially, the proposal by developers Skymount Properties did not get approved by the Pemberton council, due to a disagreement on how much in voluntary cost contributions should be paid for the property.
That was in December. The proposal has since been approved and a three story building with 85 strata-titled units, complete with swimming pool and underground parking lot is expected to be built by Spring of 2004.
There is currently only one other hotel in Pemberton. The Lodge is an original concept for the town, designed to have a rural western look.
The lodge will cater to people who may find the accommodation or property in Whistler too expensive.
Each unit in the lodge will be available for individual ownership, ranging in size from studios to one and three bedroom suites.
Managed by Northwest Lodging International Inc., there will be a full-time General manager on site, along with front desk and housekeeping staff. During the winter there will be a regular ski shuttle to Whistler.
A new neighbourhood pub and restaurant is expected to be located next door to the new development.
Despite being so close to the largest ski resort in North America, Pemberton has not been marketed as a tourist destination. With the arrival of the Olympics and the new Lodge, this could change.
There are a large number of recreational activities in the Pemberton Valley such as golf, cycling, horseback riding, rafting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
